Saudi Arabia became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on August 7, 2005.
Smoke Free Places
The law prohibits smoking in some indoor workplaces and public places including government, education, health, and cultural facilities and prohibits smoking in all means of public transport. Smoking is allowed in designated smoking rooms in bars, nightclubs, stadiums, casinos, and shops.
Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship
The law prohibits most advertising and promotion of tobacco. Although financial or other sponsorship by the tobacco industry is not prohibited, publicity of the sponsorship of events is prohibited.
Tobacco Packaging and Labeling
Smoked tobacco products must carry a combined text and picture warning that occupies no less than 65 percent of the front and back of the package. In addition, plain packaging is required as of January 1, 2020. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar,” is prohibited.
Cigarette Contents and Disclosures
The law regulates specified contents of cigarettes, including restricting the use of certain herbs, spices, and other flavorings. The law requires that manufacturers disclose to government authorities information on the contents of their products.
Sales Restrictions
The law prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco products, single cigarettes, and small packs of cigarettes. In addition, the law prohibits the sale of tobacco products via vending machines and on means of public transport. There are no restrictions on the internet sale of tobacco products. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.
E-Cigarettes
The sale of e-cigarettes is allowed. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited where smoking is prohibited. There are no restrictions on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of e-cigarettes. Health warnings are required on the front and back sides covering 65 percent of the surface of the packaging. The nicotine content of e-cigarettes and refill containers must not exceed 20 mg/ml. The law bans specific ingredients, including but not limited to certain flavors, vitamins and other ingredients that create the impression of health benefits, caffeine, additives having coloring properties, and additives that contribute to toxicity.
Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation
The Royal Decree No. 56, Anti-Smoking Law is the primary legislation governing smoke free places; advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and packaging and labeling. The regulation titled the Circular to Municipalities on Controls on Marketing and Promotion of Tobacco Products was issued in order to explicitly prohibit tobacco advertising at the point of sale. The Executive Regulations were issued in 2017 under the Anti-Smoking Law and contain detailed requirements governing smoke free places; advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and packaging and labeling. Decision of the Minister of Health No. 1853515 contains the amended Executive Regulation of the Tobacco Control Law.
In 2018, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) issued SFDA.FD 60:2018 – the Standard on Plain Packaging of Tobacco Products, which requires the plain packaging of cigarettes, cigars, hand rolling tobacco, and tobacco molasses (waterpipe tobacco) as of January 1, 2020. SFDA.FD 60:2018 also requires larger combined health warnings.
Review Status
This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff. No in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts reviewed our analysis.
FAQs
The cost of living in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, can vary, but with accommodation, transport, and mobile expenses covered, a salary of 4000 SAR per month should be sufficient for a single expatriate. However, it's essential to consider personal spending habits and lifestyle choices.
Why is Saudi Arabia so special? ›
Saudi Arabia has since become the world's third-largest oil producer and largest oil exporter, controlling the world's second-largest oil reserves and the sixth-largest gas reserves. The kingdom is categorized as a World Bank high-income economy and is the only Arab country to be part of the G20 major economies.
Is 10,000 SAR a good salary in Saudi Arabia? ›
Average wages
As of recent reports, the average salary in Saudi Arabia is estimated to be approximately SAR 10,000 per month.
What is a few sentences about Saudi Arabia? ›
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula. It occupies an area about the size of the United States east of the Mississippi River. Saudi Arabia's population is 27 million, including 8.4 million foreign residents (2010 census), and its capital city is Riyadh.
What salary is considered rich in Saudi Arabia? ›
In Saudi Arabia, a rich person is defined as someone who has a monthly income of SAR 260,562 or more. Average salaries differ quite a bit between men and women, too. For men, the average salary was SAR 267,568 per month. For women, it was only SAR 203,509.
How much does a house cost in Saudi Arabia? ›
Based on a new global home affordability study from British based building supplier Roofing Megastore, Saudi Arabia, with an average annual salary of just over $20,354.90, and a 100 square meter (sqm) home costing just $90,774.38, is the world's most affordable country to buy a home in 2021.
How much is the average house rent in Saudi Arabia? ›
Housing costs in Saudi Arabia
Two-bedroom flats in this sort of location begin at around SAR 6,000, while three-bedroom apartments can go up to SAR 16,000. Outside these compounds, a 200-square-meter flat can be rented for around SAR 2000/month, however, in other cities costs can drop.
What is the average salary in Saudi Arabia in dollars? ›
The average income for expats in Saudi Arabia varies depending on the expat's job and level of experience. According to the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, the average monthly salary for expats is around 11,000 SAR (3,000 USD) per month.
What life is like in Saudi Arabia? ›
Saudi Arabia. Regardless of their racial origins, the people of Saudi Arabia have two common characteristics: they speak Arabic and are of the Moslem faith. They are intensely proud people and have a deep respect for personal dignity and country, whilst their customs of generous hospitality are well known.
What language is spoken in Saudi Arabia? ›
The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic. The three main regional variants spoken by Saudis are: Najdi Arabic - about 14.6 million speakers. Hejazi Arabic - also known as Hijazi Arabic & West Arabian Arabic - about 10.3 million speakers.
Depending on the purpose of your move, you may need to apply for a work visa, residency permit, or sponsorship from an employer. Cultural differences between Saudi Arabia and the USA are significant, and it is important to familiarize yourself with Saudi customs, traditions, and social norms.
Is Saudi Arabia affordable to live? ›
A family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,879.7$ (10,799.7﷼) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 805.9$ (3,022.3﷼) without rent. Cost of living in Saudi Arabia is, on average, 35.5% lower than in United States. Rent in Saudi Arabia is, on average, 72.9% lower than in United States.
How much is rent in Saudi Arabia? ›
Housing Costs in Saudi Arabia
On average, in cities such as Al Khobar, Medina, Jubail or Ad Dammam, a one-bedroom apartment goes for $350 to $426. In these same cities, the price of rent for a one-bedroom drops to $274 to $335.
Is 25k a good salary in Riyadh? ›
Housing is taken care of by the company and medical is provided for the family. How much will one be able to save with this salary? Well, a salary of 25,000 SAR for a family of three in Riyadh, with housing and medical covered, can be considered decent.
